The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), describing it as a vital pillar in Nigeria’s maritime and transport development framework.
The inauguration, which held at the Ministry in Abuja on Wednesday, marks what the Minister called “a timely intervention” to ensure effective institutional leadership capable of steering the Authority toward infrastructure development, regulation of inland waterways, and regional economic integration.
According to Oyetola, the newly-inaugurated board is expected to provide strategic policy direction and oversight in line with the NIWA Act. He clarified that the operational responsibilities of the Authority remain with the Managing Director and management team. The Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional discipline and respecting governance boundaries, citing provisions from the NIWA Act, the Public Service Rules, and the Public Procurement Act.
“The Board must discharge its duties with professionalism and a clear understanding of its oversight role,” Oyetola stated. “Every decision must be guided by national interest and the quest for sustainable development.”
The 12-member Board is chaired by Hon. Musa Sarki Adar, with Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, the current Managing Director of NIWA, also serving as a member. Other appointees include Mr. Hussaini Shettima, Mr. Jeminiwa Adewale Charles, Dr. Ndidi Jenifer Ozegbe, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar, Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye, Capt. Jerome Angwunwe, and Hon. Hoplyn Euore Ayu.
In his response, Chairman of the Board, Hon. Musa Sarki Adar, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and to Minister Oyetola for his leadership. He pledged the Board’s commitment to delivering on its mandate and working harmoniously with the NIWA management team.
“We are committed to fostering a functional and sustainable inland waterways system that supports national economic growth,” Adar said.
Adar said the board would capitalise on improvements in key areas, with the collective support of the management, to enhance safety and security.
“This will involve upgrading infrastructure, investing in modern recreational aids, and strengthening partnerships with relevant agencies to combat piracy and other threats hindering water transportation in our inland waterways.
“By taking these steps, we can reduce the risk of accidents, protect human lives and properties, and ensure that our waterways are used sustainably and responsibly to enhance economic growth,” he said.
Members of the board include Mr Bola Oyebamiji; Mr Hussaini Shettima; Mr Jeminiwa Adewale; Dr Ndidi Ozegbe; Dr. Sadiq Z. Abubakar.
Others are Mr Kunle Olugbemiro; Capt. Tajudeen Alao; Mr. Dele Oye; Mr.Jerome Angwunwe, and Hoplyn Ayu.
